Use of natural and anthropogenic /sup 14/C to investigate the dynamics of soil organic carbon

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1986 · Radiocarbon; (United States)

OSTI ID:6129180

O'Brien, B J

Radiocarbon has been measured in two soil profiles, one of which has been covered by a building since 1956. A comparison of the ..delta../sup 14/C values in horizons of each profile gives an estimate of the total input of atom bomb /sup 14/C into the soil profile. From the ..delta../sup 14/C and carbon density profile data, the carbon input rates, respiration rates, and diffusivity are calculated. The lack of vegetation on one soil affects the mobility and the respiration rate of the soil carbon in that soil. The data from this soil profile are also used to check the assumption, used in previous analyses, that there is a uniform distribution of old carbon down the soil profile. The input rate, turnover time, and diffusivity parameters determined from the ..delta../sup 14/C profiles in these soils are compared with other published data on pasture and forest soils.

• Research Organization: Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Private Bag, New Zealand
• OSTI ID: 6129180
• Journal Information: Radiocarbon; (United States), Vol. 28:2A
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
SOILS
CARBON SOURCES
CARBON 14
CARBON CYCLE
CARBON SINKS
DIFFUSION
TRACER TECHNIQUES
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
CARBON ISOTOPES
EVEN-EVEN NUCLEI
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
ISOTOPES
LIGHT NUCLEI
MASS TRANSFER
NUCLEI
RADIOISOTOPES
SINKS
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
510200* - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
510101 - Environment
Terrestrial- Basic Studies- Radiometric Techniques- (-1989)